Sentence Debate: Austin Metcalf’s father is arguing that Karmelo Anthony could have faced a different outcome if his family had acted another way
Austin Metcalf’s Dad Thinks Karmelo Anthony Could Have Received Less Time if Family ‘Showed Remorse’
Earlier this month, Karmelo Anthony was convicted of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison. Now, Austin’s dad, Jeff Metcalf, is speaking out on the loss and Karmelo’s sentence.
“If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don’t think he would have got that many years that he received,” Jeff said, referencing the Anthony family, in an interview with Fox News published on Thursday, June 18.
The Texas dad claimed that Karmelo’s parents, Drew Anthony and Kala Hayes, had not contacted him, but he wanted to speak with them.
While the murder captured the attention of the nation, cameras weren’t allowed inside the courtroom during the trial, and that was something Jeff agreed with.
“You have minors that had to testify. It’s hard enough for them because they’ve witnessed a trauma,” he explained. “They will have permanent memories. I mean they’re all in counseling. It was hard enough to watch them get up on the stand and have to testify and be asked the tough questions.”
As Globe previously reported, Jeff went on an profanity-filled tirade aimed at Karmelo, his parents and his supporters when he sat down for an interview on the JinxedSip podcast on June 10.
However, in his interview with Fox News, Jeff addressed the death threats both his family and Karmelo’s family have received and condemned them.
“You’re soulless, you don’t have compassion or empathy, and I mean, what are you — a sociopath? I wish both sides would quit. It’s not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine’s never coming back,” he said. “There’s consequences for actions and he got the consequences. But there’s no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted.”
Austin and Karmelo, now 19, got into a heated exchange at a high school track meet in April 2025, which ended when Karmelo plunged a knife into Austin’s chest. He was found guilty of murder on June 9. After receiving a 35-year prison sentence, he filed an appeal less than 24 hours later.
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